Aeroplane.



L. C. GLISSON.

AEROPLANE.

APPLICATION FILED Aue.18. 1911.

RENEWED OCT. 2. 19H.

l.. C. GUSSON.

AEROPLANE.

APPUCATION flu-:D Amma, 191|.

RENEWED OCT. 2, 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented May14,1918.

. hwentor lDitn MSN L. C. GLISSON.

AEROPLANE.

APPLICATION FILED AuGAa, I9II. RENEWED ocT. 2. 1911.

Lu Patented AMay 14, 1918.

L. C. GLISSON.

AEROPLANE.

APPLICATION FILED M113y 18, 19H. BENEWED OCT. 2, 19H.

Patented May 14, i918.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Blwcntor L. C. GLISSON.

AEROPLANE.

APPLICATION ElLED AUG. I8. 1911- BENEWED OCT. 2. 1917.

Patented May14,1918.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

lSnncntor @FFC LLOYD C. GLISSON, OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA.

AEBQPLANE.

Application led August 18, 1911, Serial No. 644,861.

To all 'whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, LLOYD C. GnissoN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Atlanta, in the county of Fulton and State 0f Georgia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Aeroplanes, of which the following is a specication.

This invention relates to aeroplanes. One of the principal objects is to provide a plane of improved construction which shall constitute one of a series to be mounted in the framework, and which shall be controlled by a particular mechanism, also of novel construction, hereinafter described.

A further object is to provide a plane of such formation that it will be best adapted to meet the varying conditions under which it is designed to operate and which shall be properly and eii'ectively braced so that the control thereof shall be in no wise minimized by the warping or improper deiiecting of portions of such plane.

A further object is to provide propelling means of improved construction whereby said propelling means will assist in the balancing of the device as a whole, and a still further object is to provide lifting and propelling means having a similar function.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this application: v

F ignre 1 is a view of the' device in side elevation.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view. c Fig. 3 is a view, partly in vertical section, of the mechanism for controlling the planes. Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section of the means for supporting the structure shown in Fig.- 3.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on a line passing through the lower worm wheel in Fi 3. f

Fig. 6 shows the means for controlling the cables of the rudders.

Fig. 7 is a vertical section through two of the planes, with the controlling means in elevation.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section through the framework at a point in proximityl to the forward propeller.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of one of the transverse planes.

Fig. 10 is-a view in elevation and section showing the manner of connecting the trans- Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented May 14, 1918.

Renewed October 2, 1917. Serial No. 194,419.

verse planes to the longitudinal shaft on which each is mounted.

Fig. 11 is a view of one of the channel ribs for bracing the planes.

Fig. 12 is an elevation of another form of the machine.

Fig. 13 is a detached view showing means for operating the rudders.

Fig. 14 shows certain details in connection with the operation of the propellers.

Fig. 15 is a vertical section of one of the funnel members.

Fig. 16 is a detail of structure shown in Fig. 13. n e

Fi 17 is a detailed view clutch.

In carrying out my invention, I provide a suitable framework composed of transverse sections or separate frames shown in Fig. 8 and including uprights 10, arches 15, and lower transverse members 16. A transverse member 17 extends between uprights 10 at the crown of the arch, and connected with vertical members 5, 6 and 7 and the upper portions of members 10 are the transversely arranged planes 18 constituting the upper planes of the several series. The frames also include uprights 3 and braces i and 5.

In Fig. 1 it will be observed that I have shown four series of planes each consisting of three planes mounted one above the other including a and connected at their edges by cables, in

order that they may be simultaneously operated for the purpose of varying their inclination. These planes are provided with transverse bracing members 19 and are pivoted at points 20.

The upper transverse plane 18 of each series extends above the gas bag mentioned below. The central transverse plane 21 of each series extends below the gas bag and above the carbody, and the bottom plane 22 of each series extends below the car body.

The several vertical and transverse frames are spaced apart at each side by longitudinal bars 25 and 26, the former being arranged above the latter and providing a space between the two longitudinal bars, extending the full width and length of the framework as a whole. It will be understood that bars 25 occupy corresponding positions on opposite sides of the framework.

At the central portion of the :framework mesmo this construction will be readily understood when it is considered that the tilting of the forward end of the entire structure will produce a corresponding movement of the pendulum of the equilibrator, and through the medium of rods 86 and 87 will tilt the central planes 21 of each of the four series and thereby position said planes and the other planes of the series at the proper angle.

In Fig. 3, I have shown in detail the means for connecting rods 88 and 89 with the central rod 92 carrying the Weight 93 at its lower end. Said rods 88 and 89 are provided with casings 100 connected with the ends thereof, said casings being threaded at 101 for the reception of threaded members 102 carrying hand wheels 103. Threaded members or rods 102 connectat their ends, located within the casings, with members 104 having connected thereto and at right angles therewith rack bars 105 arranged to engage gears 106 rotating with gears 108 which in turn engage worms 107 in casings 100 on the aforesaid central rod 92. A ball bearing coupling 98 connects rod 92 and tube 92. The relative position of the parts is shown in Fig. 7 and it will he understood that the operation of hand wheel 103 edects the movement of rod 89 with reference to the vertical rod 92 of the equilibrator. A similar function is performed by the operation of the other hand wheel 103 with reference to the position of rod 88. The hand wheel 110 provides for the rotation of the central vertical rod 92 and for the resulting operation of both of the Wheels 106 for the simultaneous positioning of rods 88 and 89 with reference to the central rod 92.

1n the upper portion of the structure, above bar 25, a gas bag 115 is located, this bag extending, if desired, the full length of the structure.

Vertical planes 125 and 126 are located respectively at the ends ofthe framework.

These planes as shown in Fig. 1 aid in maintaining the stability of the structure.

The transverse planes 18, 21, and 22 are provided with stitfening tubes extending transversely thereof and indicated by This construction is illustrated in IFig. 10. These tubes are approximately rectangular in cross section and extend from the front edge to the rear edge of each plane, and are spaced apart a suitable distance as shown in Fig. 9. Extending parallel with the stiflening members just mentioned are channel members 76 which are tapered slightly from the central longitudinal axis of the planes toward each edge, yand are rovided with a beveled portion 77 which a uts the edge of a deflectin device 78 connected with the forward e ge of the plane. fFig. 7 .j This deiecting device is regarded as being especially edective in reducing the atmospheric pressure above the surface of the plane, so' that the latter may encounter the least possible resistance. Extending longitudinally of the central axis of the plane is a tubular member 19 aforesaid channel mem ers, and through eye portions of members 5, 6, 7 and 10 of the vertical frames. Tubular ribs 75 and channel members 76 are brazed along the line 81', for forming the structure shown in Fig. 10.

Tie wires 160 extend transversely of the machine, above the upper planes, and longitudinal tie wires 161 extend from end to end thereof.

The planes of each vertical series are connected at their edges by cables or cords 162, so that all of the planes of a given series will move together. Pulleys 1611 on the framework accommodate cords 165 connected with the edges of each plane, at the ends of the latter, and the central plane of each series "is strengthenedby braces 166.

The vertical plane 140 extends longitudinally of the gas bag andrcentrally thereof, and is designed to prevent the rolling of the structure on its longitudinal axis, due to lateral wind pressure, if the bag collapses or becomes damaged. Inner arched members 141 hold the material of the gas bag normally in an expanded position, even when not filled or when not entirely illed with gas. When the bag is intact and is filled,

'fit will of itself serve to balance the structure as a whole, the bulk and weight above and below the central longitudinal plane 150 being suitably proportioned.

This central longitudinal plane extends substantially the full length of the structure and horizontally thereof above the main longitudinal axis of the machine.

The plane lastl mentioned projects laterally beyond the edges of the bag, and the plane coperates with the central transverse planes in a novel manner,.by reason of the particular construction 0f the transverse planes and the means for controlling the same. The transverse members are termed planes for convenience, this being the accepted term for a supporting and elevating device having the function stated.

Plane 150 aids in forming a protecting zone for the central transverse planes 21 and largely prevents them from being acted upon by currents of air moving in a direction other than the direction traveled by the machine. The propellers at the sides of the frame also aid in protecting these central transverse planes from such currents.

The car body is boat shaped and is constructed to float when a descent is made on the surface of a body of water.

The end portions of the framework are formed as shown in Fig. 2, curved members assing through the Gil it? heilig traced hy transverse lerares ltl, Another transverse member ld@ aids in supporting shafts 50 and 5l. Converging loraces 170 are also shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. l2 shows a modilication in which lower gas hana ldancl sin series of planes are employee. The driving mechanism is substantially that employed in the form ahove descrihed, lout in connection with the horizontal propellers l' employ tunnels E85 slightly tapered es shown. These fnnnels constitute air ducts for the horizontal propellers. Engine l'i drives propeller shaft il@ and side shafts'l? through the medium of helts 178.

lt will also he cheerved that in this form the cylinders 95 and 9o' for equalizing the movement of the vertical rod connected with the weight, are connected at the upper end of said rod. lhe horizontal and vertical rudders are controlled loythe mechanism shown in Fig. 13 and previously descriloed.

lhs car loody is designated lcd.

rWhile l" have described my invention in detail, l' do not wish to he limited to the enact construction, hut may maire such changes or alterations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What l claim as new and desire to secure hy Letters hatent of the llnited States, is:

l. ln a device of they class described, a framework, a plurality of planes mounted therein and transversely thereof, certain of said planes heing arranged alcove others therein forming series, means for connecting the corresponding edges of the several planes in a given series to permit the simultaneous and uniform control of all the planes in a series, hars extending longitudinelly of the framework, a weight mounted within the framework, a rod for carrying said weight, adjustable means for connect; ing the aforesaid hars and rod and including telescoping memloers, one of which is `4connected with the weight and bars and the other with a. supporting device, and means for' cushioning the movement of the weight and the devices connected therewith.

2. lin a device of the class descrihed, a framework, a plurality of planes mounted therein, and extending transversely thereof, certain of said planes heing arranged in se ries and adapted for simultaneous adjustment, rods extending longitudinally of the framework, a substantially vertical rod pivloted within the framework, means for connecting the aforesaid rods with the verticalrod on opposite sides of the pivotal point and including a casing, rack mechanism therein independent of the casing, and a gear hetween the raclr and vertical rod and imparting movement from the latter to the ferner, and means for cushioning the movement of the vertical roda thereof, said connection with the vertical rod,

el. ln a' device of the class described, a framework, a plurality of planes mounted therein, a rod weighted and mounted suhstantially vertically within the framework, means for pivoting said rod, means connecting the vertical rod with the aforesaid planes, sald means comprising members till movable lengthwise of the connecting means which they respectively control, and rotating means connected 'with the lengthwise movahle means and having worm and gear connection with the vertical rod.

5. a device of the class described, a framework comprisinrI a plurality of sec` tions spaced apart and vertically arranged longitudinal means connecting portions or seid sections and outlining a central opening extending lengthwise and transversely of the framework, rudders mounted within the said opening supporting and balancecontrolling hanged planes arranged transversely within the opening and alcove and below the framework, vertically mounted controlling shafts, wheels carried therehy, and cahles connecting the said rudders and wound upon said shaft. v

tl. ln a device of the class described, a frameworh comprisin a plurality of sections spaced apart an vertically arranged, longitudinal means connecting portions of said sections and outlining a central open-v ing extending lengthwise and transversely of the framework, su porting and halanoel controlling danged p anos arranged transversely within the opening and alcove andy helow thelframeworlr, vertically and horizontally arranged rudders 'mounted within the said openings, vertically mounted controlling shafts, wheels carried thereby, and

cahles connecting the said rudders and f wound upon said shafte 'l'. ln a device of the class described, a framework, a plurality of flanged planes arranged therein and extending transversely lanes heing concave on their underside and being braced transversely, and means for controlling a 'plurality of planes in a series so that the edges thereof shell have inclination and means lll@ controlling a plurality of series so that the edges of planes of diEerent series shall present unequal resistances.

8. In a device of the class described, a framework, driving mechanism mounted in the lower portion thereof, a plane extending transversely and longitudinally of the framework above said lower portion and means above said plane for preventing the side-wise tilting of the framework under a given lateral wind pressure and a collapsible member, said means being located within the collapsible member and arranged to partly support the latter.

9. In a device of the class described, a framework, propelling means located in the lower portion thereof, lifting means in the upper portion, a plane extending below the lifting means and projecting laterally thereof, and means above said plane for preventing tilting of the structure on its longitudinal axis under a given lateral wind pressure, a collapsible member and arched members coperating with the means last menioned for supporting the collapsible meml0. In a device of the class described, a framework, a lifting device carried within the upper portion thereof, a plane extending below said device, propellin means carried by the framework, curve transverse planes coperating with the plane first mentioned, deecting devices thereon, means for controlling the inclination of the transverse planes and their deecting devices with reference to the first mentioned plane, and means for controlling all of the planes simultaneously. I

11. In a device of the class described, a framework, a lifting device carried within the upper portion thereof, a longitudinal plane extending below said device, propelling means carried by the framework, curved transverse planes coperating with the plane rst mentioned, deiiecting devices on the curved planes, means for controlling the inclination of certain of the transverse planes and their deflecting devices with reference to the first-mentioned plane, and independently of the other transverse planes, and means for controlling automatically and simultaneously all of the planes set by the controlling means first mentioned.

12. In a device of the class described, a framework, a plane mounted therein, a tubular device rectangular in cross section for bracin said plane in one direction, 'and channe -member rectangular in cross section for reinforcing the tubular device throughout its length.

In testnnon whereof I aix my signature in presence o two witnesses.

LLOYD C. GLISSON. Witnesses:

HUGO Moon, 

